Loaded Nachos Supreme is a household favorite here and makes the perfect follow-up to taco night. Savory seasoned beef is piled over a bed of crispy tortilla chips, then covered with melted cheese and bright, fresh toppings. These nachos are easy, crowd-pleasing, and ideal for family-style dinners or casual gatherings.
Loaded Nachos Supreme
If you have leftover taco meat—like shredded chicken from an Instant Pot—you can absolutely use it here. Nachos are a terrific way to repurpose leftovers while keeping dinner exciting and flavorful.
We love making Mexican-inspired meals at home, and nachos are one of those simple recipes that everyone can customize. This version is built with layers of chips, seasoned beef, and plenty of cheese, finished with classic fixings such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, tomatoes, and cilantro. It’s an adaptable recipe that’s great for busy weeknights, casual entertaining, or game-day snacking.
These nachos are straightforward to prepare and offer a nice change of pace from a typical taco night. Build them on a large sheet pan, bake just until the cheese melts, then bring the whole platter to the table so everyone can serve themselves.
What Kind of Chips Work Best?
My preference is for restaurant-style tortilla chips that are crisp and sturdy, but any chip you enjoy will work. Some freshly made chips can be a little more fragile than popular store brands, so if you prefer a firmer base for heavy toppings, choose a thick chip like Tostitos. For a fun twist, flavored chips such as Doritos can add another layer of taste.
Seasoning the Beef
A chili-lime style seasoning blend is delicious here, but you can use taco seasoning or a mix of chili powder, cumin, oregano, and kosher salt. Stirring in a can of diced green chiles adds moisture and a mild, tangy heat. Cook the beef until browned, drain excess fat, then stir in the seasonings and a splash of water if needed to combine flavors.
Once assembled and baked, garnish the nachos with fresh fixings and serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Loaded Nachos Supreme
Loaded Nachos Supreme is a hearty, family-style platter of seasoned beef layered over tortilla chips and smothered with melted cheese. Top with sour cream, guacamole, salsa, tomatoes, and cilantro for a fresh finish. A great option for weeknights, parties, or any time you want a crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients
Nachos
- 1 bag tortilla chips
- 1.5 pounds ground beef
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
- 3 tablespoons chili-lime seasoning blend (or taco seasoning)
- 3–4 cups shredded Colby-Jack or Mexican blend cheese
Fixings
- Sour cream
- Guacamole or sliced avocado
- Salsa or pico de gallo
- Chopped tomatoes
- Fresh cilantro
- Optional: sliced jalapeños, pickled onions, or chopped green onions
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat, then add cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and the chili-lime seasoning. Stir to combine and simmer briefly to let the spices bloom. If desired, add a can of diced green chiles or a splash of water to keep the mixture moist.
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Arrange a single, even layer of tortilla chips across the sheet. Spoon about half of the seasoned beef over the chips, then sprinkle with one cup or so of shredded cheese, distributing it evenly.
- Add a second layer of chips, top with the remaining beef and another cup or two of cheese until the nachos are well covered. Bake for 7–10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and immediately scatter fresh toppings over the nachos: dollops of sour cream, guacamole, salsa, chopped tomatoes, and a handful of cilantro. Serve hot and let everyone dig in family-style.
Tips, Variations, and Storage
For extra crispness, use sturdy chips and avoid overloading any single area with toppings. If feeding a crowd, keep additional toppings in bowls so guests can customize their plates. Swap the ground beef for shredded chicken, pulled pork, or a vegetarian black bean mixture. If making ahead, prepare the seasoned meat and chop toppings in advance; assemble and bake just before serving to preserve chip texture.
Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for 2–3 days. Reheat on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for best results, or enjoy the toppings cold with warmed chips on the side.